⚡Softail How To Adjust Your Belt & Align Axle!⚡
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- Опубликовано: 25 дек 2021
- 🔵Tools you will need
Belt Tension Gauge - amzn.to/3EhDUQy
Rear Wheel Alignment Tool - amzn.to/3mmfGPk
Click Torque Wrench - amzn.to/32in4UN
SAE Ratcheting Wrench - amzn.to/3qgRQoX
Blue Loctite - amzn.to/3yLyn3M
12 to 15 inch Adjustable Wrench - amzn.to/3qhkFSg
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In this video, I will show you how to inspect your rear drive belt and also check belt deflection and rear axle/wheel alignment. We also adjust the belt deflection and adjust the rear axle on your Harley-Davidson Softail. We will also replace the rear bottom OEM belt guard with a chrome one when we are done.
Steve's Favorite Motorcycle Must-Have Tools!
Master Hex/Torx Set - www.amazon.com/dp/B083Q5WZHS?...
Swivel Head Ratchet - amzn.to/3MYeMEw
Milwaukee M12 Ratchet - amzn.to/3VSR6W4
M12 Battery - amzn.to/3gweokl
M12 Charger - amzn.to/3Srrb53
Ratcheting Wrenches (Metric) - amzn.to/3CQanyS
Ratcheting Wrenches (SAE) - amzn.to/3Tt6iaY
Blue Medium Loctite (Your Bikes Best Friend) - amzn.to/3gwdK6p
FT LB Torque - amzn.to/3VON5SH
IN LB Torque - amzn.to/3F4wCUA
Vise Grip Plier Set - amzn.to/3TYZUs0
Motorcycle Funnel Set - amzn.to/3sP9HFz
Belt Tension Gauge - amzn.to/3FiiXco
Noco Boost Plus Power Bank/Jumper - amzn.to/3W1squO
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This video is for educational purposes only. By watching and engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined herein. The information presented is for general educational purposes and does not constitute professional advice or create a professional-client relationship. Any actions taken based on this information are at your own risk. Neither the creator nor the channel shall be liable for any consequences of your actions. Exercise caution, use personal judgment, and seek professional advice when necessary. The content may not be accurate, complete, or up-to-date. You are responsible for complying with all laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. By continuing to watch, you release the creator and the channel from any liability. This disclaimer applies to all future content and interactions. Confirm your agreement by proceeding to watch. 
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Definitely refreshing having the Softail content. Since the world has went bagger crazy! Lol
agreed John...loking forward to doing plenty more videos on the softail! Have a safe and happy new year!
Agreed! Nothing against baggers. I went from softail to road glide back to softail. Different strokes for different folks
Love my Softail! She's an older girl but still showroom shape
Yes, very true. I agree!!! 2005 fatboy here!
Yeap buddy! It’s hard to find content for the softails.
Man what a difference watching a video of someone who knows what they are doing vs someone trying to figure it out!!! : )
Thank you Roy! Glad the video helped!
Yep pinch point… I know a guy that got the tips of two fingers cut off when putting oil on his chain. Yep you guessed it, had it on a stand, in gear , rag wrapped around his fingers… got caught in the sprocket, chopped them babies right off !! Just a tip from your ole buddy Dave.. no pun intended… great information Steve , great video!
Ouch man...that dude had a bad day for sure! Back in my "chain" days...always spray and then clean up the mess...never grabbed the chain lol thats crazy
I run my 2018 Harley Ultra belt real loose. About 3/4 inch total deflection with light finger pressure. Several reasons why are 1. less pressure on the rear axle bearings, and countershaft bearings, 2. the belt will give a little if a small stone gets in it, instead of puncturing the belt, and 3. when riding a passenger, it will not get excessively tight going over bumps. Also, after adjusting the rear axle alignment, I check that the belt is riding right down the center between the pulley flanges. If not, I adjust the axle accordingly to make that happen. Doing this for 15 years, and never had any belt problems.
Great video. I bought a 02 Fatboy on 8-2023. I'm in the process of replacing the rear wheel after a new tire was put on. Just wanted to tell something that I came up with. I used a rachet strap over the seat to raise the wheel to install the axle. Worked well for me. Don't like wrenchin on my bike but I love saving the money 💰💰💰
hey thats sounds like it worked pretty good and you got the job done and thats what matters!
You sir are legend! I can't express the labor cost you have saved me. Thank you so much. People should like and sub just on principle alone.
Thank you for the kind words! Always good to hear we are helping..that's what its all about! Have a happy new year! btw love the name lol that's great
This is a very well laid out "how to" video. Thanks
Thank you Tim!
Perfect. Thanks a lot and best regards from Germany.
thank you Michael!
Hey Steve thank you for awesome video on softails and information... The way you teach step by step is awesome and informative... again thank u
Thank you for checking it out Angel and the kind words. I hope you have a happy and safe new year!!
Sik.. How much you charge to install a rear tire softail 2019 Deluxe
Am near Fox lake IL
You sir are an amazing teacher! Clear, concise, and to the point. I will be removing my rear wheel--something I have never done before--to install a custom rear fender. This is exactly what I needed to learn. Thank you!
Thank you Ali! Once you do it a few times it becomes really easy. Glad the video helped you!
Great content. Easy to understand. I like the fact you are straight forward. Softails rule!
My 98 fatboy with 38K on it still has the factory original belt. It looks good but once I have to replace it I have a chain conversion kit sitting in my shop. A chain takes 20 minutes to change a belt is a deal and a half to change out. I,m 70 a new chain will last me as long as I can still ride.
Please continue what you do explaining the way you do it is precise and easy to follow. Very few people on here have the capability that you have thank you very much..
thank you very much for the comment and always glad to help!
Great content 👌.
Thank you
Thanks, Steve. Always very detailed and helpful. Looking forward to the wheel swaps video!
Thanks Gary...ME too! Still waiting on fed ex to deliver ...was supposed to be here the other day but they dropped the ball somewhere and I'm still waiting
Appreciate the instruction, pulling my 87 FXST out of the corner of the garage and needed to check the belt and put tires on it.
Great video! Thanks for the thorough explanation.
Thank you! Glad the video helped!
Thanks guys. Very clear and helpful.
Thank you Malc!
Thanks for the info and the part listing. SIK Baggers is my favorite channel!!!!!!
Thanks Steve for giving us all your intel. Always looking for your videos. Happy New Year to you and your family
Thank you Pat! I hope you guys have a happy and safe new year!!
Thank you, this was just what I needed!
Glad to have helped sir!
Excellent job Steve! I’m going to have to study the chapter on the belt deflection gauge a few more times to understand it better. But I’m going to order the two gadgets and check the rear wheel that I just installed and new tire last season and my son and I aligned it all by eye, oops lol! Thanks again Steve!
Excellent tutorial. Thanks!
Very helpful, all the information you could want. Great video
Thank you Simon..glad the video helped ! Be safe.
Good video my good sir! Concise with thorough instructions!
Thank you AL!
Awesome video! This helped me so much! Thank you!
Sorry for the late reply, I just got back from Sturgis...thank you for checking it out and Im glad the video helped!
Just got my first Harley - love watching your stuff
Thats awesome John....welcome to the HD world! If you ever have any questions just hit me up. Be safe!
Thank you for this video. I was gonna take my 2018 softail in for belt tension and alignment, but after this video I’ll do it
Thats awesome Dan...I hope you got it lined out and saved some bucks!
Pinch points!! Very important detail!! Thank you for helping me retain a fingernail or two and having the wife run to the garage hearing me screaming!Thanks for the video AGAIN.
Hey Clinton, yes sir learned that the hard way a long time ago...it hurt for days!!
Well done , needed to learn this , and easy to follow....thanks
thank you philip!
Great video Steve! Thanks! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you Kevin! We had a great Christmas and looking forward to our up coming year! I hope you and yours have a happy and safe new year bro!
Thanks Steve. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and look forward to a happy new year.
Thank you!! and I hope you and yours have a safe and happy new years!!
Thank you! I just ordered these tools for my 2018 FLHCS. BTW, I scored a cd copy of my service manual. I like it. Thanks again for the valuable info here!
Awesome Paully! Heck yeah that thing will show you a ton of stuff thats super easy to do and save some bucks at HD every time! Thanks for checking out the video and the kind words. Have a happy new year my friend!
Enjoyed the video very informative, as I just had to replace tube & yes saved a lot of $$$ doing it myself! Thanks for the great tips on how measure the axle to insure proper alignment!!
Glad the video helped you! thats what its all about..saving that money!
One of the best how-tos I’ve seen 👌 So helpful!!
Thank you! Much appreciated!
Good easy to understand video!
If you use a open end wrench you can count how many flats you turn the bolt when adjusting your belt
That’s exactly how I do it. Then I measure the distance between the frame and the bottom of the head of the bolt with the tip of the wrench.
This was the exact lesson that I needed. I'm replacing wheels/tires on my 2020 Softail Standard and was concerned about rear wheel alignment. Now if I could locate some my chrome belt guards, I'd be happy. Those are difficult to find.
Great video. All I had was a tape measure. It worked but that little tool you have is spot on. Thank you for the video. I replaced the wheel.
The tape measure can be used as well but it can be deceiving if you dont have the exact center marked on the swing arm bolt...its super easy to fudge it one way or the other
Good stuff...thank you sir
Thanks for checking it out Michael! be safe!
Thanks for sharing
I am installing new rims, tires and brakes on my 2012 Heritage now now. This video was a huge help. Like others have said, you are a great teacher. Thanks from a new subscriber.
Very glad it helped steve!! And thank you for the sub!! Its greatly appreciated sir!
New rider and found this very helpful. Thank you
Glad to help! Be safe!
Thanks for a great video it’s really helpful.
Thanks for checking it out Mark! Glad it helped. Be safe and have a happy new year.
THANK YOU VERY PROFESSIONAL INFO THANK YOU RIDE ON HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023,,, ENJOY
great informative video. Im about to check mine (08 Fatboy) and your instructions are so much clearer than others
Glad to help and thank you for the comment! Much appreciated!
Good man! thank you for you teachings..learning a lot.
Thank you for checking it out Rafael!
I appreciated the hell out of you too thank you
Glad the video helped!
Thanks Steve, you make it easy to understand.
Thank you dm10! On a side note I'm thinking about upgrading my dm10 studio kit to a rolands kit but whew the price! I would have to play one first...any experience on a rolands?
@@sikbaggers Hi Steve, played several Rolands over the years. depending on what you buy, they are a very nice kit, I enjoy the DM10 i have, but they certainly get better than this. play and ride on and thank you for the excellent videos.
Great video! Even for us Roadstar guys
thank you Bud!!
Bonjour Steve. Très bonne vidéo. Merci
Salut Michel ! Merci de l'avoir consultée! Heureux d'avoir pu aider!
Liked and subscribed. Great content, thanks!
Thank you Eric! Much appreciated.
Invaluable information ,thank you from England.
youre very welcome paul!
I enjoy your informative videos and humor
thank you for checking out the video and the kind words. much appreciated.
Dude,..you keep hitting homeruns! I sure hope this Utube thing catches on. ! Mad skills explained elemantary for guys like me. ..Thanks again.
thank you Kris! Much appreciated!
Thanks for all your videos - keep 'em coming. I have done this several times but now am getting that alignment tool, much easier. My first alignment, I used the build in gage on the stock belt cover, yeah, accurate huh? My many times since have actually used a belt tension gage, works great and better peace of mind. My '02 Road King (a classic now!), which I have had since . . . '02, seems to wear out the front tire sooner . . . but have replaced many rears myself which definitely requires an alignment check. Thanks again.
thanks for checking it out Don! For the price they do come in handy...pretty quick check and makes it go smoother.
Excellent video... thanks :-)
You're very welcome!
Thank you very much
Youre very welcome Jerry!
Thx man🤙
Youre welcome Bart!
Great video
Thank you Mike! Have a safe and happy new years!
Thank u I have a softail myself and shop tighten belt to much. I just changed my tire on rear and this will help me very much and the alignment help is realy nice t u.
Your very welcome Robert...Glad to help!
This video made me decide to put my heritage seat back on mine... i forgot how gorgeous it looks. Great video man
Awesome..I just purchased a slimmer seat for this one lol but ill hang on to my OEM stuff
@@sikbaggers That's EXACTLY what i did. Looks great but not near as comfy as the OME.
Awesome video, love all your videos very informative and effective. Yea ,my belt is a tad loose also.. been running like that for a long time ,Rather have it loose than tight thank you very much
yeah slightly loose inst a terrible thing...way better than too tight for sure. youll be fine. thanks for checking out he video!
I didn't have the alignment tool so I used a dial indicator that is mounted on a magnet. With indicator mounted to swingarm, I had runout of less than .005". Maybe overkill but wanted to be sure. Had to replace rear wheel bearings. Had the rear end wiggle. Luckily I was only doing 40.
Im glad you showed belt tracking, so many videos only show the tension
yes...very important ..thanks for checking it out!
big help thank you
youre very welcome..glad to help!
Very very nice video - message is clear, words are concise and pictures are clean. I own an Iron 883 but I think the logic is the same. Subscribed, liked and shared already ! Thanks again
thank you for checking it out and the kind words..much appreciated!
Excellent videos I am thinking of buying a softail these are extremely helpful thank you
thank you...the softail is a great platform to take in a many different ways as far as customizing and just a good overall bike to ride
Thank you for these videos. Im an auto mechanic but fresh to working on Harleys. Ive owned a few low mileage ones i kept a year or so, but my softail will be lifetime
Sorry for the late reply..been at Sturgis. Thank you for checking it out! I originally got this bike to flip but im starting to think we will be keeping it lol
well explained.
Glad it helped Kevin!
thanks so much you rock
Youre very welcome Clay
Thanks!
Thank you so much...much appreciated sir..and glad the video helped!
I really like your show I'm from Seneca SC 👍🇺🇸
Thank you Robbie! Much appreciated sir!
Cheers for this info .
Although I ride a Vulcan this info is very useful.
I think my belt has been over tightened by the previous owner.
Got the deflection tooland work shop manual so goner check ,but I suspect he did deflection without rotating the wheel 90 degrees and rechecking for tight spots.
Thanks again mate
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with me! I'm glad you found the information useful, even though you ride a Vulcan. Your suspicion regarding the previous owner over-tightening the belt without rotating the wheel 90 degrees and rechecking for tight spots seems plausible. By using the deflection tool and referring to the workshop manual, you're taking the right steps to address the issue.
Nice video, kinda new to working on bikes personally, but while in the process of installing a Klock Werks benchmark stretched rear fender on my 2021 street bob, only to notice that my rear wheel is out of adjustment. Not to mention the bike was recently in for its 1K service, looks like ill be checking out more of your content.
Hey Buddy quick question how do you prevent cam plate on ride side from rotating on TOURING model when torquing axle nut? Any tips?
I have always used a fishing weigh scale and a piece of string for the ten pounds and a ruler to measure.
awesome way to do it!
As always a great video showing us how to maintain our bikes ourself. With a little time in the garage we all can do fairly straight forward preventative maintenance without paying the dealer or shop labor. I use your tips often as I work on my Harley touring bikes I feature on my RUclips channel. Ride safe 👊👍🇺🇸
Thank you for chekcing it out bro...always good when you can keep money in your pocket and also have the satisfaction of working on your own bike. Have a Happy New year, my friend!
@@sikbaggers Thanks
Great vid mate. clear and simple. Thank you.
Been riding 45 years, but new to Harleys.
Always been a tinkerer and prefer to do my own wrenching.
Every vid I come across I learn a little more Harley specific knowledge to put in the bank.
You answered 1 specific question ive had in mind.
I wasnt sure about That small gap on one side of the belt & pulley.
Now I know. Situation normal :)
Awesome video.
Ever tighten the belt with the left side bolt and then have the right side be too far back? I adjusted my belt to be in spec and am running into this it was on the loose end of spec and tried to put it in the middle.
If the axle were too far forward, I’d just tighten the adjuster nut on the right side and it would push on the axle…
But being too far back, if I loosen the adjuster nut, the axle stays where it is, and there’s just an air gap now between the nut and the axle.
Axel nut is removed.
I even gave the tire and axle some small hits with a rubber mallet, but no movement. Is a 1/4” misalignment a deal breaker?
I actually took a paint pen and marked one of the flats on the axle adjustment bolt. Makes keeping track of the location of the bolt much easier.
You can also make an alignment gauge out of a coat hanger or similar piece of wire and a zip tie. Works really well.
yes sir...good tips!
I wish you had demonstrated the string and pencil technique. But great video.
I'll do that for you on the upcoming wheel swap! I have to re do all this so that will be a great time to show that. Have a happy new year and be safe!
i have a 2014 heritage with vance and hines long shots. it is a major pain trying to remove the exhaust to get the axle out to remove the rear wheel. I do most all my own wrenching and pull the wheel to install new tires. i decided to reverse the axle so it comes out the left side instead of right. Since it has a safety c clip to keep the nut on the axle i see no problem with that. my big question is what change in your procedure to adjust the axle alignment do i need to make since i have reversed the axle. Or no change in procedure needed? i ask because the length it sticks out is different one side than the other.
Hi just wondering when you tightened the left side you adjusted the belt and then tightened the right side wouldn't that change the belt tension back again ??
just bought my 1st NEW 2023 soft tail standard. I am very surprised that there is NO gauge marks/indents on the ends were the axle bolts are for alignment. I am also shocked about the plastic intake manifold, no surprise that ordering an aluminium one from screaming eagle or S&S are back order only. thanks for this lesson on this.👍
yeah for the softails they make it a bit of a struggle to get everything lined up but its doable. And yes...I think HD expects you to replace the breather. I have changed a ton of them.
Thank you Steve. Just have to go through my drive belt something really eating my belt.
Sorry for the late reply, I just got back from Sturgis...check the rear pully and if its clean then its something on the front pully which is bit more difficult to get to for sure...check the alignment and make its not rubbing the pully at any point during the rotation.
@@sikbaggers Thank you Steve, sure will do that. Hope you had fun at Sturgis. Saw your videos, couldn't comment, to busy working, truck driver.
Have a 17 deluxe had tires put on from the HD shop and it came back where the tire is more to the right side of the fender back side it's okay r I need to realign it again
I just thought the orange bike on the floor was a snowmobile ! 😅 Nice video
I had my belt replaced on my 2002 AIH tx chopper, but when I accelerate hard i feel the belt skip a few teeth. I've already tightened the belt as much as I can. any Ideas?
Man....I wasn’t sure about you until I saw you use that crescent wrench for a hammer....I hauled ass and smashed that subscribe button and was hoping to be the “one” to roll you over to 100k, but no cigar.... great content!
hahaha yeah...all tools are universal! thank you for trying to break me over 100k I appreciate the sub! Getting close but still 70 away! We will get there eventually lol
Great video with great instruction. I will say however make sure you are checking your bike specific torque values in your H-D service manual. My 2001 Softail Duece for example you are not to tighten the axle nut to over 65 ft lbs. Doing so runs the risk of having your axle lock up on you.
yes..always important to check your service manual...the videos I do and torque specs are for the bike im using at the time for the video.
Liked and subscribed..
thank you, very much appreciated.
Great video .. quick question I saw you only torque the primary side . Do I also have to torque the exhaust side also ?
the exhaust side has the nut welded tot he bolt...you only torque the nut side ( primary side)
Great video. I got a quick question what about when your running air ride and deflection changes at different ride heights? Is that something I should worry about? Shotgun shock on 06 softail. Thanks in advance .
It will change the belt deflection when you lower and raise it..however set your deflection at ride height. If youre like me and lower my baggers while riding in town itll be fine..I do it all the time...but its in town..im not running balls to the wall there either...just remember when you have it outside of ride height its either looser or tighter...so just go easy on it
Good video, but I have a question. When checking for the 10LBs of pressure doe the belt need to be tight and I can get it? I have a Motion Pro Belt Tension Gauge, the big O-Ring I am not sure where it's suppose to be set on the outer part to check the Belt Deflection on a 2009 Harley Road King Classic. The Manual says 3/8-7/16, and I assume that is from the bottom of the debris deflector?
Sorry for the late reply, I just got back from Sturgis...yeah man...click click click click....BRO...one click! lol
Steve, do you have a video on doing this same adjustment on a 2020 Road Glide Limited.? Great videos Steve you do a great job, and when are you going to have some shirts available.?? Thanks
Hey Dave I dont have one right now on that ...but as soon as winter breaks and I can get some more bikes in here I w ill be doing different service tech videos on those bikes for the channel. The shirts im just waiting on my t shirt guy to let me know if they can get the amount I will need. He said the blacks hoodies are heard to get right now im assuming because of the pandemic ..so as soon as he gives me the go I will order some
@@sikbaggers Thanks Steve, I will be looking forward to seeing them soon we all hope.
Hi Steve can you tell me why my rear tire leans to the right to the left on the bottom to the right at the top how do I fix that with the swingarm
if its a spoke wheel and when you turn it, it stays leaned in the same direction then the spokes are not true
To remove the tire for bearings rear tire is it best to pull pipes off if have to , by motor or the halfway pulling it apart ?? What's the best way to do that
Depending on what pipes you have you can just take the slip on off at the halfway point.
Quick question. Is my belt deflection gonna change when I adjust my rear suspension shocks on my softail? I adjusted them to raise my bike and to stiffen up more.
yes, anytime you raise or lower your bike it will tighten or lossen the belt and you should check the defelction afterwards and adjust.
Why wouldn't the same amount of turn on the adjustment bolt of the other side keep the rear axle straight?
It would, if you back them out and start over and then accurately turn them exactly the same ...I would double check your work at least with a tape measure
@@sikbaggers Haha, hell yes brother, exactly what I was thinking after the post...thx